Summer is coming to an end and I hope all of you are having a safe and happy long weekend! I hope you are taking advantage of the last few light nights and planning a BBQ with friends and family.

When most people think of BBQ’s – they think of hot dogs, hamburgers, potato chips and fatty (but tasty!) potato and pasta salads. However, there are tons of healthy items you can throw on the grill and enjoy just as much as a hamburger or hot dog – and still keep your waistline in check AND get some skin healthy nutrients in as well.

A piece of salmon or halibut on the grill sprinkled with some fresh spices tastes like a little piece of heaven – and provides omega 3’s that are great for your skin and body! A boneless skinless chicken breast turns out SO juicy and succulent. And you can still have that hamburger if that’s what a true BBQ meal means to you – but choose your toppings wisely. A large slice of grilled pineapple negates the need for cheese, and a spreading of avocado or guacamole is a great, heart smart replacement for mayonnaise and ketchup. Make your own burgers using lean ground beef or turkey and use herbs and chopped up peppers and onions to make a great, healthy patty. Lose the bun and wrap the burger in a giant lettuce leaf to cut back on carbs that can cause puffy skin. Load up your burger with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and mushrooms and you’ve got a couple of servings of vegetables in as well.

On the side you can grill up some veggies instead of having potato salad. Brush mushroom, onion, zucchini, pepper and potato chunks with a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with some fresh herbs, wrap in tinfoil and place on the grill! You can also toss a great green salad with eggs and ham chunks. Shred some carrots and drizzle with olive oil and herbs for a great, skin healthy carrot side – or put the shredded carrots right on your burger! Put out a plate of raw vegetables with a homemade hummus to snack on. Quinoa salads are great and healthy too!

A little thought and no extra work can make your BBQ unique and keep your body and skin happy!